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Versatile enough to conquer any type of terrain and tough as hell, it's no wonder that the Union Atlas Binding is the clear favorite of team rider Torstein Horgmo. It offers the strength, support, and response needed for him to do everything from greasing huge rails in the streets to stomping triple corks in the backcountry.

Details like magnesium buckles, multi-position straps, and quick-adjust forward lean give the Atlas a high-end feel without costing you more than you paid for your season pass. If you're a rider with a wider stance, the Canted Gas Pedals on the Atlas supply extra leverage for ollie power, as well as allow the ankle and knee joints to be aligned, thus alleviating pain.

The Atlas highback eliminates highback bite for improved comfort and is cored-out to minimize weight without sacrificing response. Injected-EVA bushings dampen vibrations for a smooth ride. An extruded 3D aluminum heelcup reduces weight while maintaining strength and stiffness, and the Stage III Duraflex ST Atlas baseplate makes minimal contact with your board to eliminate dead zones in the board's flex beneath your feet. The SonicFuse ankle strap provides a secure and responsive fit without creating painful pressure points, and the toe strap is low-profile and cored-out to wrap around the front of your boot for a comfy and secure fit.

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Have not used them yet

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I just got these to replace my 2015 Union Forces. Unfortunately, the resorts are not open yet and I have not gotten to ride them, but my initial impressions from setting them up and playing them are that the feel and operate like they are the flagship binding of Union.

The high back is much stiffer than the Force high backs when you twist them. The ratchets feel solid, well built, and smooth when I ratchet them in to the strap. Some ratchets can feel like they are snagging or getting off track and slipping, not these. The footbed having the slight slope to accommodate your knees is very subtle. If I didn't know it was there, I probably wouldn't notice just by looking at them. That is not to say that it won't be nice to have when I spend a long first-chair pow day at the mountain, it's just not very pronounced.

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Flagship Binding

Familiarity: I've used it several times

The Union Atlas are the flagship binding from the Union line, and has all the bells and whistles. The Stage III baseplate is made from Duraflex, one of the lightest but strongest plastics out there. Don't worry about plastic, this stuff is tougher than your Grandpa's old man strength. It also has canted gas pedals to alight your knees and hips for a more natural feel, and I really like that feature compared to some other Union bindings in the line. If you are looking for a medium-stiff binding for the whole mountain, this is the binding for you.

Contact me directly at 801-204-4578 or gboogert@backcountry.com if you have any additional questions, need help with figuring out the right size, or want to get an awesome set up going!